quick clicks

article archive

expert q & a

community & groups

research baby names

prepare a birth plan

content channels

ip channel rss feeds

read birth stories

read parenting stories

recommended books

e-newsletters

safety recalls

ip diaries

ip store

mom of the month

dad of the month

editor's letter

letters to the editor

Mom-to-be Holiday Beauty

Tips to Keep You Glowing

By Laura Cone

When Trish Barno was pregnant with her boys, who are now 2 and 5 years old, she felt the pregnancy glow.

With her most recent pregnancy, Barno, who was feeling run down with two small children in the house, did not feel beautiful. To pamper herself, she would have pedicures and manicures, but avoided nail polish and fake nails due to the chemicals that could affect her child.

"The first time it was great, but by the third time around I did not have the pregnancy glow," says Barno, who lives in Tampa, Fla. She recently gave birth to her infant daughter, Addison. "People would say I had the pregnancy glow, but I did not really feel that. By the time I had my baby, I was ready for a day of beauty."

During the holidays, most women want to look and feel their best. During pregnancy, however, a woman needs to adjust her beauty regimen.

Experts say it's smart to avoid nail polish and removers that contain methyl methacrylate and acetonitrle, chemicals that are dangerous. Check with your manicurist to make sure she or he uses natural, biodegradable products.

Suzanne Wertman of Wilmington, N.C., a certified nurse midwife with Coastal OB/GYN and mother of one, recommends women use natural and organic makeup and beauty products during pregnancy. Most of the items may be found at health food stores. But women still need to read the list of ingredients and check with their doctors or nurse midwives to make sure the product does not contain herbs or other ingredients that are harmful to pregnancies.

Chemicals can easily be absorbed through the skin, which is a major organ. "As a nurse midwife, what I usually tell people is to use their own judgment and limit their exposure to any chemicals, especially in the beginning of the pregnancy," Wertman says. "I don't think you can put yourself in a box and hide away from everything."

Want to see more?

• Safety Before Beauty: Personal Care Products and Pregnancy
• Frugal Holiday Beauty: Is the Price of Relaxation Stressing You Out?
• Revive with Vitamins: Beauty from the Inside Out
• Check out our Article Library.
• Talk about it!

Post As:
Enter your comment below:
Title
Comment Text
CAPTCHA
Please note that any comments submitted become the property of Disney Family / iParenting and can be edited and posted at our discrection.